Florence Junction

Located northeast of Florence, Box Canyon is a scenic trail that passes through a spectacular, narrow canyon with geological features and bright, colorful vegetation you wouldn't commonly associate with the desert, such as acarosporaceae fungi. Beyond the sheer, towering canyon walls, drivers can find petroglyphs, and historical stagecoach stops making this trail a truly unique Arizona offroad experience. A favorite amongst many offroad enthusiasts, this trail is a popular access point to many other trails within the Florence Junction area.

Mineral Mountain Road is the northern entrance to the famous Florence, AZ, OHV area. From Mineral Mountain Road, offroad enthusiasts can plan a full day's adventure with any number of the local trails. This expansive area is littered with mining claims, petroglyphs, wagon stops, and beautiful scenic views. Occasionally, there are deer, big horn sheep, Gila monsters, and endangered desert tortoise sightings. Mineral Mountain Road can access several of Arizona's most famous rock crawling trails. Ajax Mine, Axle Alley, and Highway to Hell are just a few of the area's legendary trails. If you're looking for a great scenic 4x4 tour, Box Canyon and Price Road make for a fantastic and moderate day.

The route was once a maintained gravel road connecting several mines and the old town of Reymert. After the mining years ended, the land was used for military artillery training. The local Arizona National Guard would notify the public when the firing was live by raising a red flag at the trailhead. Over the years, the military stopped firing into the mountains, and this rugged Sonoran desert landscape found a new purpose.

The OHV region near Florence, Arizona, is loaded with legendary offroad trails for all types of vehicles. Hidden in one of the many washes, Elvis is widely known for its numerous rock waterfalls that challenge even the best-built rigs. There are many abandoned as well as active mines in the area. Legend has it the trail's name comes from a local miner’s dog that traveled along the route with him many years ago. Along the way, there are towering saguaros clinging to the rocky banks as you twist through a lush Sonoran desert. The terrain along this route is harsh, the rocks are sharp, and everything out there wants to poke or sting you. Continuing that theme, the rocky waterfalls are massive and intimidating, but with careful tire placement and a trusted spotter, navigating through the rocky maze is achievable. Stopping after conquering an obstacle and feeling a sense of accomplishment is the memorable part about Elvis.

Cottonwood Canyon Road serves as one of, if not the main entrance to, the famous Florence OHV area. This rugged region is littered with old mines, wagon stops, petroglyphs, and beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes. During the busy winter months, the early portion of the route is considered the boondockers midway. Countless RVs and large family groups line the well-maintained gravel road. The fun begins once you pass all the traffic. The trail travels through a rocky wash before climbing into the southern foothills of the Superstition Mountains with spectacular panoramas of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Cottonwood Canyon Road ends at 5 Points, the central hub of the region's trail network. You can choose from various routes, like rock crawling on the Ajax Mine trail for lunch at the ruins or continuing south through the beautiful narrow walls of Box Canyon.

Located a short distance east of Florence and just outside the Phoenix Metro area, Sandman Road offers incredibly beautiful views of the Sonoran Desert and the Mineral Mountains. Travel through fields of teddy bear cholla and towering saguaro as you crest picturesque ridgelines that overlook miles of connecting OHV trails. Sandman Road should be near the top of your adventure list whether you are looking for a beginner offroad trail that's more than just a dirt road or looking to photograph amazing scenery.

Telegraph Canyon Road is a scenic day ride weaving through the rugged beauty of Arizona's Mineral Mountain Mining District. Starting near the historic town of Superior, the trail meanders southwest, offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Picketpost Mountain, Weaver’s Needle, Apache Leap, and the Superstition Wilderness. It intersects with the famed Arizona Trail before concluding at the intriguing Ajax Mine, a site steeped in history and frontier drama.

The Ajax Mine, established in 1915, was once rich in lead and zinc ore, estimated at 20,000 tons by its original operator, B.D. Johnson. Ownership disputes and legal battles defined its turbulent past, including a notorious eviction of the Wallace brothers in 1926. Despite being listed for sale in the 1940s, disagreements among heirs left it idle, with its asking price of $45,000 and unique no-down-payment terms never fulfilled. Visitors can explore its impressive remnants but should use extreme caution as you are likely to encounter open, vertical shafts.

Twisting its way through a rocky and narrow canyon, Orville's Loop is an exhilarating and scenic roller coaster ride through the Sonoran desert. Dense desert vegetation hangs overhead off the tall canyon walls. During winter, water often trickles down the canyon's walls, pooling at the base of the rocky waterfall you will have to climb. The waterfall is Orville's Loop's standout obstacle, a favorite with local crawlers. The climb up the steep and super narrow ledge road provides spectacular panoramas before the trail merges with Jack Handle.

Jack Handle is one of those trails that's earned legendary status with local rock crawlers. The trail's name comes from the first difficult waterfall obstacle, Jack Handle. Back when the rock gap was thinner, if your hi-lift jack was on the passenger rear, it would get hung up on the rocks. Hence the name. The trail offers multiple optional rock crawling obstacles, including a difficult and super off-camber rock waterfall appropriately named Jackass.

For over a century, the surrounding mineral-rich area has been profitable for the region. There are many abandoned as well as active mines in the area. Along the route is a spectacular array of desert plant life, from massive saguaros to towering cottonwoods hidden deep in one of many secluded canyons that litter the region. The area is remote. The rocks are sharp. And everything here wants to poke or bite you. Be cautious. This is a desert, and it's not very forgiving, especially in the summer. But it does have an irresistible rugged charm.

Also known as the Waterfall Bypass, this northern section of Box Canyon winds its way up narrow ledges and over the mountains for an alternative way around the waterfall obstacle on Mineral Mountain Road. The trail is ideal for stock-type 4x4 owners who want a mild challenge while exploring the Florence OHV area. The trail has narrow ledge switchbacks and steep rocky climbs requiring low range, high clearance, and durable offroad tires. The trail is excellent for beginners looking to cut their teeth on Arizona desert trails without difficult rock crawling. You'll climb high up into the mountains with immersive panoramas of the surrounding peaks before dropping into Box Canyon.

Camping is minimal. There are only a few old mine platforms where you could set up tents for the night.

Price Road is the primary southern entry into the Florence OHV area. The road also serves the two small ranch communities and mining operations. The views of the Rincon Mountains on the eastern horizon loom higher as you travel the desert road. Nearby Box Canyon, Martinez Canyon, Old Silverbell Mine, and many other sites provide visitors with fantastic scenic views and opportunities to hike, explore, offroad, and enjoy the Sonoran Desert. Price Road is a gravel and semi-maintained dirt road that all vehicles can navigate. Durable off-road tires are highly recommended.

Dispersed campsites are located all along Price Road. Camping on Arizona State Trust Land requires a permit. State Trust Land is normally well marked, but a land use map is helpful. The area has abundant primitive campsites and multiple large staging areas. There are no services, facilities, or potable water in the area for campers.

Unlike the many canyon and wash-type trails in the Florence OHV area, Rollercoaster weaves up and down along the ridgelines high above the canyon floors providing unobstructed, 360-degree views in all directions. This trail leaves you open-mouthed and white-knuckled as it traverses consistent 20-25 degree slopes and reaches brief moments as high as 32 degrees.

The eastern half of the trail starts near the Orville Waterfall obstacle and passes one campsite near the valley floor, which is suitable for a few vehicles. After traveling up a series of ridgelines, the trail crosses the intersection of Box Canyon, North Box Canyon, and Mineral Mountain before sharply climbing to the top of the ridgelines again. The trail's western half is the most difficult, with the steepest climbs and descents. Several sections of deep erosion ruts will also need to be navigated. The western edge of the trail drops down to intersect with Mineral Mountain at the Sunset Mine.

A reliable 4x4 with low gearing, high clearance, and aggressive off-road tires will be needed to traverse the entire trail. Traction aids are highly recommended, as losing traction and momentum in the middle of a steep climb could result in losing control of your vehicle. The trail is generally only one vehicle wide. Tight sections between cacti make this trail unsuitable for full-width vehicles. Rollercoaster is good for novice wheelers looking to push their mental abilities and their vehicle's physical abilities.

Ajax Mine Road is a moderately rough and rocky trail that parallels the Lower and Upper Ajax Technical Vehicle trails. The road starts at the Five Points intersection and travels east to connect with Telegraph Canyon Road. The road is the primary exit route from the Ajax TV trails and Highway to Hell. But Ajax Mine Road is a great beginner trail and suitable for any high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. The road has a few narrow washout sections, but with careful line choice, they should not be a problem for most 4x4s. The road ends at the Ajax Mine, an abandoned lead mine that ceased operation in 1916.

Several spots along the road can be utilized for vehicle camping. Halfway through the trail, one of these wide campsites marks the location of a rare crested saguaro.

Often overlooked, West Ridge Trail delivers one of the best 360-degree views of Box Canyon within the Florence OHV Area. The trail is a steep and rocky climb to a scenic vista above the canyon. A portion of the trail twists through a sandy desert wash. The trail requires high clearance, durable off-road tires, and low range. West Ridge is wide enough for full-size vehicles, but expect very tight brush to cause pin-striping in the rocky wash on the southern portion of the route. There is no camping along this route.

Considered the early cutoff along Price Road, this crossover trail connects to the popular Cottonwood Canyon Road. The views and desert vegetation create a scenic leisurely cruise through the desert. Price Cutoff has deep washouts, rocky ledges up to 10 inches, and mud during winter months. Most of the route can be completed in 2WD, but there are sporadic rough spots. The trail is ideal for vehicles with 4x4 high clearance and durable off-road tires. There are no significant height or width restrictions for larger overland vehicles, but the off-camber washouts may be an issue.

Camping is more than abundant. You can stay close to the crowds or drive deeper to find a quiet primitive campsite.

Considered the southern flagpole entrance, Black Hill is a main crossover type trail connecting several other trails that crisscross this region of the Florence, OHV area. Named after a nearby hill covered in black stones, the trail travels across the very flat and often muddy desert terrain. In dry conditions, the route can be completed in 2WD, but if it has rained within the last month, slippery mud puddles will likely require 4WD. The early portion of the route is used by boondockers in winter, making it a little more crowded. A mile into the trail, you will encounter more private and secluded scenic campsites hidden among the cactus. The views of the mountains to the east at sunrise are very welcoming to adventurous wheelers.

Connecting Orville's Loop to East Martinez Canyon, High Country is a straight-through trail that is easily one of the most scenic routes in the Florence OHV area. The trail traverses a high ridgeline for 1.5 miles providing unobstructed Sonoran Desert views for hundreds of miles. Picacho Peak, along I-10, is easily seen to the southwest on a clear day.

Most of this road is rough and rugged trekking along hard-packed dirt with softball-sized rocks. The trail gets its difficult rating from one spot on the southern end, where a severe washout on the edge of the road constricts vehicles to a 28-degree off-camber bypass around the washout. This trail is best suited for slightly modified vehicles and experienced drivers comfortable with extreme vehicle leans. There are several areas along the trail where the tight brush will likely scratch your paint. Full-width trucks are not recommended for this trail.

It is worth noting that although this is a BLM road, it travels almost entirely through private property. Please respect the private land and pass through with care and consideration. As history has shown us from other trails in this area, landowners are not afraid to close off access if users cannot be respectful.

There is no camping along this trail.

Crossing between The Flats and Sandman Road, Flo Jo passes through a prototypical Lower Sonoran Desert landscape dotted with saguaro and cholla cacti. This moderate 4x4 trail is ideal for the beginner off-road driver. The trail has hard-pack dirt and rocky terrain, perfect for stock 4x4s with high clearance and durable off-road tires. Deep washouts and mild hills may require 4WD. On hills and blind corners, watch for high-speed UTV traffic. Camping is limited along the route, with only a few open rocky areas.

Traveling along the border of the Arizona National Guard artillery range, this moderate 4x4 trail crosses the desert flats before dropping into a twisting rocky wash. The trail is ideal for stock, high clearance 4x4s, and beginner off-road users. You'll drive along the artillery range fence line, where numerous signs mark the boundary. The entire region was once used for large artillery testing. Recently, the range has been limited to small arms testing and training within this boundary. Camping is abundant in the northern section of the route. There are numerous wide-open flat spaces for large groups or a solo tent under the stars.

North Woodpecker Trail connects from the northeast end of the Woodpecker Trail to the south end of the Highway to Hell trail. It is a great connector to use if you do not want to backtrack the Woodpecker Trail and you don't want to do Highway to Hell. The road has a couple of optional minor rock-crawling spots that may require something more than a stock 4x4. There is a memorial at the south end of North Woodpecker Trail where it connects to Highway to Hell. This trail has amazing views of the eastern section of the Middle Gila Canyon. Interestingly the trail is almost completely on BLM land, with a little section right in the middle that shows it is private land owned by the AZ State Assoc of 4 Wheel Drive Club, Inc. No camping was observed.

Orville Cutoff is a 1.7-mile moderate connecting trail between the Bad Medicine Canyon and Orville's Loop, north of Jack Handle. The trail travels a narrow shelf road as you make your way up to one of the taller ridgelines in the area. The road is steep, rough, rocky, and generally only one vehicle wide the entire length. There are several wide areas to pass oncoming traffic, but backing up a short distance might be required. Take caution along this trail as it crosses several deep washouts reinforced with rebar and railroad ties. They are considerably narrow for full-size vehicles. If narrow roads make you uneasy, avoid this trail. The trail is suitable for stock high clearance 4x4s. Full-size rigs should be prepared for pinstriping.

It is worth noting that although this is a BLM road, it partially passes through private property from mile marker 0.85 to 1.25. Please respect the private land and pass through with care and consideration. As history has shown us from other trails in this area, landowners are not afraid to close off access if users cannot be respectful.

There is no camping along this trail.

East Ajax Mine Cutoff, BLM 6121D, is a simple connecting road between North Box Canyon and East Ajax Mine Road. The road surface is hard-packed dirt with small embedded rocks. The road is short and does not have any obstacles. The hill grades along the road are very mellow. Any high clearance 2WD vehicle can complete East Ajax Mine Cutoff. The trail is generally one vehicle wide, but there are many areas to pull out of the way for oncoming traffic. There are no campsites along this trail.

Rim Rider is a short and steep shortcut from Sandman to the upper portion of Box Canyon. The trail climbs numerous loose dirt and rock hills requiring high clearance, off-road tires, and low-range gearing. The trail has scenic views above the canyons and offers a mild challenge for beginners wanting a 4x4 experience without difficult rock crawling. There are no camping opportunities along this route.

North Reyment Road is a connector road in the Middle Gila Canyon area. The road goes through Arizona State Trust and BLM land. There is one camping spot just as North Reyment intersects with Mineral Mountain Road. The trail has beautiful views of the Sonoran desert and distant mountains, with many saguaros along the way. You can see Weaver's Needle to the north on a clear day. There is a gate that is closed with a "Dead End" sign on it, but the gate is not locked. If you continue past the gate, the road actually dead-ends about a half mile further in a horse corral.

Herring Mine Road is a short, steep, rocky hill connector road that starts on North Box Canyon and drops down to the Bad Medicine Technical Vehicle Trail, just south of Herring Mine. This is the last connecting road into or out of the Bad Medicine Canyon and is often used to access the Bad Medicine trail or as a bailout for anyone that might have damaged their vehicle. The steepness of the road and the high probability of encountering erosion ruts will require a high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle with low gearing. Herring Mine Road is not the easiest way out of Bad Medicine, but it is the fastest if you have a capable vehicle. On the east of the trail, one small, flat campsite along a wide section of the road is up above the wash.

Hidden behind Black Hill, The Flats is precisely as it sounds, a large wide open flat terrain. The highlight of this route is the camping. The easily accessible trail, with its smooth flat ground, is close to a collection of Arizona's best 4x4 trails. In dry conditions, the route can be easily driven in 2WD. The trail can be muddy for weeks during the Winter or after late Summer monsoons. Mud tires and 4WD are needed if you encounter mud. You must obtain an AZ State Land permit to access this area.